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The first attempt to settle Yarmouth was made by Rev. Stephen Bachiler and his followers in the winter of 1637/8. However, this settlement was abandoned due to the severity of the winter "and others undertook it".[1] Yarmouth was organized and named in 1639. It originally was founded by the Pilgrims, and covered lands currently part of the towns of Barnstable, Brewster, Chatham and Harwich. Farming and the sea provided the industry for the early settlers to the town, with both the northern and southern ports being active in industry. This brought wealth to Yarmouth, which can still be seen today in its historic districts. The railroad came in the mid-1800s, and helped Yarmouth become a tourist destination. Today the town is mostly known for its tourist industry and shopping, as it is the home of the original Christmas Tree Shops on Route 6A in the village of Yarmouthport.[2]